Chelsea ready to launch another Rooney bid

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign Wayne Rooney after an initial approach last week was turned down by Manchester United. Jose Mourinho is believed to be prepared to pay up to £30 million to secure the deal.

United turned down a bid believed to be in the region of £23m in cash plus up to £3m in additional payments. David Moyes has reiterated his stance that Rooney is not for sale, insisting he expects the striker to be available for the club's friendly against AIK Solna in Stockholm on August 6.

However, Rooney is unsettled and sources indicate that for the right price Moyes is willing to let him go, with Chelsea ready to match his current salary of around £240,000 a week and also to offer a five-year contract.

One player who would welcome Rooney at Stamford Bridge is striker Romelu Lukaku.

"You know when you are playing for a team like Chelsea there is going to be competition," Lukaku said. "If [Rooney] does sign, it could be a good partnership, but it is the manager's choice.

"I like competition and have done from the first time I came here. You have to accept that you have to work hard to make it a successful squad. If [Rooney] is part of our team, I will welcome him with open arms."

Lukaku has won praise from new boss Jose Mourinho for his performances during the club's pre-season tour of the Far East, and it seems as if the admiration is mutual, with the Belgian striker appreciating the brash style of management he has been confronted with in the last couple of weeks.

"Mourinho is a great manager," added Lukaku. "He is very direct and in your face and I love that. It is important. If he has something to say to you, he says it. That is a good thing.

"I would not say this is the hardest, but it is certainly the best pre-season I've had. I have to work more than I ever have but I like that. We are improving a lot already and I feel I am making an impact.

"I am confident in my qualities, but I can improve on things as well. Hopefully I will continue to do so. I can score more goals, I can get more assists, I can do more for the team. I can score with both feet and with my head, I am very quick and skilful. I can do a bit of everything."